Groton, Connecticut
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| Groton, Connecticut | |
|---|---|
| Name | Groton |
| Settlement type | Town |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Connecticut |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | New London County |
| Established title | Settled |
| Established date | 1655 |
| Established title2 | Incorporated (town) |
| Established date2 | 1705 |
| Government type | Council–manager |
| Leader title | Town manager |
| Leader name | John Burt |
| Leader title1 | Town council |
| Leader name1 | Juan Melendez, Jr. (D), Mayor |
| Area total km2 | 120.3 |
| Area land km2 | 81.4 |
| Area water km2 | 38.9 |
| Elevation m | 20 |
| Population total | 38,411 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Timezone | Eastern (EST) |
| Utc offset | −5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | −4 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Codes |
| Postal code | 06340, 06349, 06355 |
| Area code | 860/959 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 09-34250 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 0213436 |
| Website | www.groton-ct.gov |
Groton, Connecticut. A coastal town in New London County, it is a community deeply intertwined with American naval history and modern submarine technology. Situated on the eastern bank of the Thames River, its geography includes several distinct villages and significant waterfront. The town's identity is shaped by its major military installations, a diverse economy, and a rich historical tapestry dating to the colonial era.
History
The area was originally inhabited by the Pequot people before English settlement began in 1655, named after Groton in Suffolk, England. During the American Revolutionary War, the town was the site of the infamous Battle of Groton Heights and the Fort Griswold massacre in 1781, led by the British turncoat Benedict Arnold. The 19th century saw growth through whaling and shipbuilding, with notable figures like Captain Ebenezer Morgan contributing to its maritime prominence. The town's modern character was forged in the 20th century with the establishment of the Naval Submarine Base New London in 1916, cementing its role as the "Submarine Capital of the World." The Electric Boat division of General Dynamics, founded nearby, has constructed numerous vessels including the world's first nuclear-powered submarine, USS *Nautilus*.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 120.3 square kilometers, of which 38.9 square kilometers is water, primarily from Long Island Sound. Major villages within its borders include the borough of Groton Long Point, Noank, Mystic (shared with Stonington), and Poquonnock Bridge. The coastline features prominent points like Avery Point, home to a branch of the University of Connecticut. The town is traversed by Interstate 95 and is adjacent to the City of New London, connected by the Gold Star Memorial Bridge.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 38,411. The racial makeup was predominantly non-Hispanic white, with significant communities identifying as Hispanic or Latino, African American, and Asian. The presence of the naval base and Electric Boat creates a transient military and skilled labor population. Educational attainment levels are above state averages, influenced by employment in high-tech defense sectors and proximity to institutions like Connecticut College and the United States Coast Guard Academy.
Economy
The economy is dominated by national defense and advanced manufacturing. Electric Boat is the largest employer, responsible for the design and construction of *Virginia*-class and *Columbia*-class submarines for the Department of Defense. The Naval Submarine Base New London supports thousands of military and civilian jobs, hosting the Naval Submarine School and multiple submarine squadrons. Secondary economic drivers include tourism, centered on the Mystic Seaport Museum and Mystic Aquarium, and research conducted at the Pfizer facility and the University of Connecticut Avery Point.
Government and infrastructure
Groton operates under a council–manager form of government, with a seven-member Town Council and a professional Town manager. Public safety is provided by the Groton Town Police Department and volunteer fire companies. Critical infrastructure includes the Groton-New London Airport, a public library system, and the Thames River serving as a vital commercial and military waterway. The town is part of Connecticut's 2nd congressional district, represented in the U.S. House.
Culture and notable people
Cultural sites include Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park, the Submarine Force Library & Museum (home to the USS *Nautilus*), and the Noank Historical Society. The town hosts annual events like the Groton Summer Concerts and the Mystic Irish Parade. Notable residents have included Revolutionary War spy Anna Warner Bailey, Nobel laureate John B. Fenn, MLB player Matt Harvey, and U.S. Navy admirals Hyman G. Rickover and Grace Hopper. Fictional portrayals of the area appear in films like Mystic Pizza.
Category:Towns in Connecticut Category:Towns in New London County, Connecticut Category:Populated coastal places in Connecticut